Backpacking Two Miles High the Guide (and reference) Book for Wilderness Mountaineering

Superficially, if one wants to go backpacking in the high mountains, all it takes is a couple of hours in the nearest camping equipment store, an open check book, a long trip to some trail head, and then to struggle to lift and shoulder that heavy pack, and finally, to struggle up the trail heading for the pass, one labored step after another. Unfortunately this grim scenario occurs all too often. What's to know? Learn by doing. But this approach is painful, inefficient, not nearly as much fun as it could be, and a good way to eliminate novices. By far the best way to enjoy wilderness backpacking is to plan and prepare carefully. That is what much of this book is about. After one trip, you will qualify as a near-veteran.